(PBA image)
NLEX and Barangay Ginebra take center stage on All Souls’ Day, clashing in a battle of opposites at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo — one team riding high, the other desperately trying to snap a fall.
The Road Warriors are on a tear, enjoying one of their best starts in years. Led by Robert Bolick’s steady brilliance, NLEX carries a three-game winning streak into the 7:30 p.m. showdown and is poised to seize solo leadership at 5-1 in the Philippine Cup standings. They currently share the top spot with TNT, Magnolia, and Rain or Shine — all locked at 4-1.
Ginebra, meanwhile, is stuck in unfamiliar territory. The defending crowd darlings are reeling at 1-3 — their worst conference start since 2018 and their shakiest in a decade under the all-Filipino format. Coach Tim Cone’s squad shares eighth place with Blackwater, having dropped back-to-back heartbreakers: an 89-75 loss to Meralco followed by an 83-81 setback to San Miguel in Dubai, where Scottie Thompson’s desperate four-point heave fell short in the dying seconds.
For NLEX coach Jong Uichico, the challenge now is to stay grounded. “We’ve always had a lull in games. Biglang nakakabalik yung kalaban,” Uichico admitted. “We have to address that moving forward.”
That discipline will be tested against the proud Gin Kings, who are expected to fight with renewed urgency to avoid sinking deeper in the standings. For Cone’s wards, it’s not just about stopping NLEX’s streak — it’s about reclaiming their identity as contenders.
As the Road Warriors chase the summit and the Kings fight to revive their rhythm, Antipolo braces for a fiery All Souls’ Day clash that could redefine both teams’ early-season fates.